Reinventing Yourself in the ’80s | Author Suzanne Mattaboni Discusses Once in a Lifetime

If you grew up in the 1980s, chances are you've imagined it at least once.

A summer where everything changed.

A summer where you became a different version of yourself. More confident. More adventurous. Maybe even cooler. A summer where the right song came on the radio at exactly the right moment and suddenly your entire life seemed full of possibility.

That's the heart of Once in a Lifetime, the new novel from author Suzanne Mattaboni.

This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Suzanne joins Spearsy to discuss the book, her enduring affection for the decade and the inspiration behind a story that captures both the nostalgia and emotional truth of growing up during the MTV era.

The conversation explores why the 1980s remain such fertile ground for storytelling. Beyond the music, movies and fashion, the decade represented a time when many Gen Xers were discovering who they wanted to become. That sense of possibility remains a powerful theme in both fiction and memory.

Suzanne discusses how Once in a Lifetime came together and how the idea of personal reinvention became central to the story. Whether it's changing your appearance, chasing a dream or simply deciding to take a different path, the desire to reinvent ourselves is something nearly everyone can relate to.

Along the way, Spearsy and Suzanne revisit some of the cultural touchstones that helped shape the decade, from music and movies to the everyday experiences that made the 1980s feel unique. Those details help bring the book's setting to life while creating a familiar backdrop for readers who lived through the era.

The discussion also examines why nostalgia fiction continues attracting passionate audiences. While readers may arrive for the references and memories, they stay for the characters and emotional journeys that feel timeless regardless of the decade.

Like many Stuck in the ’80s interviews with authors, the conversation blends storytelling, personal memories and pop culture while celebrating creative works inspired by the decade we all love.

Whether you remember your own life-changing summer or simply enjoy stories about second chances and self-discovery, this episode offers plenty to enjoy.

After all, sometimes one summer really can change everything.

If you love nostalgic fiction, coming-of-age stories and revisiting the sights and sounds of the 1980s, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.